Women's Health

Tools & Resources

Closure of the Vagina (Vaginal Obliteration)

Guide

Closure of the vagina is surgery done for an
older woman whose uterus has moved from its natural position to press
uncomfortably into the vagina (uterine prolapse). This procedure may
also be done if an older woman's vagina severely sags or drops into the vaginal
canal (vaginal vault prolapse). In this surgery, the vagina
is sewn shut. So it is only done if the woman no longer desires sexual
intercourse.

Vaginal obliteration is done by removing the
entire vaginal lining except for
1 in. (2.54 cm) to
1.5 in. (3.81 cm). The vagina
is then sewn shut. If the
uterus is still present, a small opening is left in
the
vagina to allow fluids to drain from the
uterus.

Because vaginal obliteration is a relatively brief
surgical procedure, it may be done when a woman has one or more severe
long-term (chronic) medical conditions, such as
asthma or
heart disease, that make a longer procedure more of a
risk.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Should I Have Surgery?

What To Expect After Surgery

General, regional, or local anesthesia may be used for vaginal obliteration. You may stay in
the hospital from 1 to 2 days. You will probably be able to return to your
normal activities in about 4 weeks, but this can vary widely. Avoid strenuous
activity for the first 2 weeks, and increase your activity level
gradually.

Why It Is Done

Vaginal obliteration is done to
correct severe
uterine or
vaginal vault prolapse in an older woman who no longer
desires sexual intercourse or whose other chronic health problems make a longer
surgical procedure more dangerous.

How Well It Works

Vaginal obliteration is an effective
treatment for
vaginal vault or
uterine prolapse. Sometimes a surgical procedure for
urinary incontinence is done at the same time.

Risks

Complications of vaginal obliteration are
uncommon.

What To Think About

The main point of vaginal
obliteration is speed and simplicity. This procedure is usually best for women
who have chronic health conditions, because a more extensive or complicated surgery
could be dangerous.